Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. Enchanté, is what you’ll say to the exceptional Jay – a jack-of-all-trades who’s our treasurer, board member and support manager, all at the same time.

Meet Jay

Name: Jay. Also known as Smaug within Abunai. Must be because of my warm personality.Age: 36Height: 180cm-ish.Blood type:A Positive with a pinch of caffeïne, a big dollop of creativity, a smidge of tender loving care and copious amounts of unaldulerated sadism. Abunai! Position: Treasurer / Board member / Support Manager

Tell us a bit about yourself!I am a proud member of the Abunai! team since I’ve joined up in October 2015.

In my daily life I work as a Network Engineer for a midsize ICT company while also trying to run my own little creative business. In the bit of time not spend on my relationship, work or Abunai! I tend to play PC games, roleplay or play the occasional bout of airsoft.

I have been part of our little dutch anime community since I’ve first visited a convention in 2003. I have been active in several aspects of this subculture (gopher, steward, staff, cosplayer, etc) after which I’ve settled down in the dealer room(s) behind the stand of Dark Dragon Books and/or Howling Riot before joining Abunai!

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?The challenge of course. The challenge to help set up one of the biggest Anime conventions in the Netherlands and raise it to the next level. Yes, Abunai has her share of problems but her volunteers are one of the most dedicated people I’ve seen. Their goal is to set up the best convention possible for the visitors and the staff works for an entire year just to make that possible.

None of the staff members get paid to do the work which amounts to about 5-20 hours a week on average, nor do the gophers and stewards receive any money for their services. Yes, there are a few perks, one major one being that the convention itself lasts a few days longer, but we mostly do it for the challenge and the fun times with the team.

What is your alignment?Chaotic Evil / True Neutral depending on the mood/situation.

Do you prefer weeb or otaku?As what? Lunch? Moving target?

If you were a magical girl, what style would your outfit be and what would your power be?Brainwashed and crazy. Because I’m not a magical girl. But to continue this trainwreck of a answer the outfit would probably something like this: But with a sceptre/staff/wandthingy, a makeshift tiara made from dental floss and a broken straightjacket with a crayon hawai print. My powers would be either something with Object Creations or General Mindfuckery.

Playstation, PC, Xbox, or Nintendo?

If you were to write a self-insert fic, to which anime/manga/game would you transport yourself to? And with which character would you start a relationship?Difficult, most of the things I watch/play I wouldn’t want to put myself into. But for now I’ll go with my first suggestion and go for Jormungand and I’ll start a relationship with Koko. Smart, cunning and crazy. Yes.

Favorite karaoke song? Please note that you (may) have to sing your answer at the convention 😉 No. Just no. The world is better off this way. Believe me. We’ve talked and this is the final conclusion. [Editor’s note: we’ll see about that Jay.]

If you could Cosplay as anyone regardless of your skill(s), who would you Cosplay as?Keiji Kiriya from All You Need is Killl. In an armor looking at this (but a bit more messed up):Already working on the plans to build this.

What are you looking most forward to this Abunai? The entire convention; all the fun experiences/situations you only get during an anime convention mixed in with the wackiness that is Abunai!.

Anything else you’d like to share? I WAS FORCED INTO THIS AND AM BEING HELD CAPTIVE! SEND HELP!HELP!HE- [Editor’s note: no Jay’s were harmed in the making of this interview.]

Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. Come face-to-face with Cynni, our Location & Design manager!

Meet Cynni

Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a just graduated mixed media artist who loves to paint! I live together with Amy, 3 cats and my dog, Rinoa. Next to being creative I also like to game, read, bake and watch anime and other series. My favorite food is sushi. I am with the Abunai staff since 2007.

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?
I like that I am responsible for a lot of different aspects from the convention. From catering and contact with the hotel to the designs and decoration. I love the diversity of all the different tasks. Kudos for my team! I wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

What’s your favorite Abunai! memory?
When Abunai still was held in Enschede, we had walkietalkies without earplugs. This resulted in some funny situations where our visitors unintentionally could listen in on our internal conversations. Especially one about notoriously bad food.

What is your alignment?
According to this test I am true neutral, however I might be more chaotic neutral IRL.

Do you prefer weeb or otaku?
Potato!

If you were a magical girl, what style would your outfit be and what would your power be?
I really like the black mage outfits from final fantasy. A more female version of the classic outfit would be for me. With classic, yellow, pointy hat. I would like the power of teleportation and some spells to make things go boom.

Playstation, PC, Xbox, or Nintendo?
I like to play on everything but Xbox (all though they have the best controllers). But I like Playstation best!

If you were to write a self-insert fic, to which anime/manga/game would you transport yourself to? And with which character would you start a relationship?
Sorry guys, no anime or game here. I will transport myself into the Doctor Who universe and start up something with Rory Williams and a little Jack on the side 😉

If you could Cosplay as anyone regardless of your skill(s), who would you Cosplay as?
I already cosplayed my favorite character, namely Yuna, but Amy and I are talking about a duo cosplay as Snow & Serah for ages 😉

What are you looking most forward to this Abunai?
The Matsuri! So much work has been put into this. I can’t wait to see what the visitors will think.

Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. Please greet the amazing Angelica, who’s part of our Cosplay team.

Meet Angelica

Tell us a bit about yourself!
Crazy catlady, cosplayer and chaotic. I really love my cat Dalischa or Doosje. She is a very fluffy Maine Coon lady and she loves belly rubs, her Rattata toy and chicken. Next to that, she is in charge of quality control of my cosplays. If she manages to destroy something, it was not good enough. 🙂

I’ll try to get on stage with a few of my costumes next year again, so please cheer for me. It will all be for acting competitions probably, because I love to write skits and help people with them. That is where my chaotic mind is useful. ‘But what if … happens?” It never is crazy enough. My best idea was for a friend of mine though and I really hope to see it on stage!

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?
Talking and guiding all the cosplay compo participants! It is a lot of fun (and work), but I try to help them with my own competition experiences.

What’s your favorite Abunai! memory?
…. Eeeeey Macarena! And the people who cared for me when I was extremely tired and done last year. Thank you! (You know who you are!)

If you were a magical girl, what style would your outfit be and what would your power be?
Either something princess-y or swimsuit-like, maybe both? Power? Something with water please! I love water!

Playstation, PC, Xbox, or Nintendo?
This is torture! Currently: PS4, but will change to PC soon. However, long travels are better with a 3DS!

If you were to write a self-insert fic, to which anime/manga/game would you transport yourself to? And with which character would you start a relationship?
Horizon Zero Dawn. Just so I can see how long I would be capable of holding out against those machines. Relationship? I won’t even do that to fictional characters right now. I’m still recovering from a pretty abusive one and totally not ready for a new relationship now.

Favorite karaoke song? Please note that you (may) have to sing your answer at the convention 😉
FYI: I don’t sing. Not even under the shower. (No, no permission to check in my hotelroom or anywhere else. Creeps.)

If you could Cosplay as anyone regardless of your skill(s), who would you Cosplay as?
If you’re holding yourself back, because you don’t have the skills: how are you going to learn? It might not give the best results, but my motto is: trying is learning! Try many skills and find out what suits you, even if you get negative remarks about it.

Currently, I’m trying to make Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn) with the Banuk Ice hunter medium armor. I have no clue what I’m doing and it probably will look like nothing, but I’m trying to find the limits of what I can make even with my lack of 3D vision. And I already have learned three new skills.

What are you looking most forward to this Abunai?
Hosting a lot of the competitions! I had to promise not to dance this time, though. L And seeing the creations of the competitors of course!

Anything else you’d like to share?
I hope you enjoy Abunai! And high-fives are welcome when I’m running through the hallways. 🙂

Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. Get to know Amy, our fabulous and dearest media manager. She’s an Abunai! veteran and always open for a chat with visitors. Please say hello to her if you see her at the convention!

Meet Amy

Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi, My name is Amy, and I am a manager before and during Abunai! I am 28 years old and live together with my girlfriend and fellow staff member Cynni. As a manager, I direct the media commission, which consists of Video, Gameroom, and some main stage events such as the Concert.

While not busy with Abunai business I work for an IT company called DOIT, which has never heard of Shia Lebeouf. In my free time, if I have any, I take care of my dog, 3 cats and I speed run a bunch of games, mostly RPG’s!

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?
The connection with everyone. When I visited Abunai as a visitor, I never knew I got to meet so many awesome people.

What’s your favorite Abunai! memory?
One of the first years in Veldhoven, we had to clean up the convention and were busy till 3 in the night. The bar closed, but the bartender was kind enough to give us drinks. We stayed up till 5 in the morning. But perhaps this year we can create even better memories!

What is your alignment?
Lawful Neutral, and I can find myself in that, although I might switch to Lawful Good.

Do you prefer weeb or otaku?
Geek, or gamer. But if I have to choose, otaku.

If you were a magical girl, what style would your outfit be and what would your power be?
Perhaps a big dress with enchanted protective plating! Enough to move around but stylish and classy like? Ashlotte from Soul Calibur comes to mind. And I would give myself reality warping powers.

Playstation, PC, Xbox, or Nintendo?
PC master race? Tbh, anything I can get my hands on I can get my hands on. As long as it has RPG’s!

If you were to write a self-insert fic, to which anime/manga/game would you transport yourself to? And with which character would you start a relationship?
With my reality warping powers, I would just create a world that connects all others! And who needs a relationship, when you can share!

Favorite karaoke song? Please note that you (may) have to sing your answer at the convention 😉
Douglas has an amazing “its time for Abunaicon!”song. But otherwise I would go for the opening of Death Note (What’s Up People, by Maximum the Hormone) since that was my only karaoke experience.

If you could Cosplay as anyone regardless of your skill(s), who would you Cosplay as?
I still want to cosplay Princes Peach, even though I might not have the figure, but a great corset should fix that. Or Rozalin from Disgaea 2. Or… dunno, anything with a BIG POOFY dress.

What are you looking most forward to this Abunai?
More time to enjoy the convention. Last year I was swamped with work, and barely had time to visit events or even talk to people.

Abunai is a social battery for me, and I want to enjoy it with as many people, as much as I can.

Anything else you’d like to share?
We, the staff, are just as “Normal” as you guys are. We are gamers, weebs, geeks, straight, gay, transgender (I am, I was known as Nick before transitioning). But we all have 1 thing in common, and that is that we all love the Japanse culture. Have a chat with us, about anything really! And you will see that we are very much alike!

Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. Get acquainted with the marvelous Floris, head of our Events team and the mastermind behind our beloved AMV competition.

Meet Floris

Tell us a bit about yourself!My name is Floris and I’ve been involved with Abunai for 14 years now. Throughout the years, I have been a gopher, steward, staffmember Events, Manager and Boardmember, so I’ve done a lot of different things, really.

Besides that I’m a law student in daily life and provide the Foundation with legal advice when necessary. Apart from all those boring things, I’m an avid gamer and a connoisseur of beer, whiskey and sushi, which are best enjoyed all at the same time.

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?As the one who is responsible for everything related to Events, me and my team have to choose which events to add to our schedule and which events to drop, which can be quite hard sometimes.

It’s hard to predict how people react to changes or new additions. Apart from that, organizing all the workshops, lectures and whatnot takes a lot of time and effort, which you always hope that in the end will be appreciated by our visitors.

What I like most is the moment that I hear visitors talking about how they are enjoying themselves and like the convention even more than the year before. That’s when I know we made the right decisions and that all the time and energy we’ve put into the convention was totally worth it.

What’s your favorite Abunai! memory?I think that’s the AMV competition, which I organize myself every year. Handing the first place trophy to the winner and seeing him or her going totally wild always brings a smile to my face.

Oh, and that time where I did the Macarena and the Kamehameha on stage while our tech team was fixing some technical issues which would later be known as the “Blue Lines of Death” is something I won’t forget anytime soon either…

If you were a magical girl, what style would your outfit be and what would your power be?It would be nerdy and my power would be finding out how the hell I got myself into that situation in the first place.

Playstation, PC, Xbox, or Nintendo?All, except Xbox.

If you were to write a self-insert fic, to which anime/manga/game would you transport yourself to? And with which character would you start a relationship?If I would reach this level of weebness, I would transport myself to Sword Art Online and hook up with Asuka.

Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. This time, you’ll meet the wonderful Erik, an Abunai! veteran who’s been with the convention since year one.

Meet Erik

Name: ErikAge: 34Height: ~1.80Abunai! Position: Events Staff

Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Erik and I have been volunteering for Abunai since its first year. Most people will know me as one of the twins who used to run the Cloakroom. Other than that, think these kinds of questions are awkward, so Next!!

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?
Giving away prices. Especially to people who don’t expect it. Two years ago, during my first year as Staff, I was backstage when the first price winner for the beginner competition of the fashion show was announced. The girl who won, and it was absolutely deserved, was so surprised and happy about it that it really made my convention, just to be part of that.

What’s your favorite Abunai! memory?
In 2009, after many years of trying, my friends and I won the Cosplay Act Competition. It was with a Phoenix Wright meets Yugioh Abridged act that we worked really hard on and it felt really good to win.

What is your alignment?
Probably Lawful Neutral, leaning to Good. I have a very good and strict sense for rules and try to abide by them but I also try to be fair for everyone. Sometimes I’m just not nice enough to be Good.

Playstation, PC, Xbox, or Nintendo?
Nintendo all the way! I’ve been a huge Legend of Zelda fan all my life and still enjoy the games. PC is a close second to me.

Favorite karaoke song? Please note that you (may) have to sing your answer at the convention 😉
With that threat in mind, I refuse to answer this one.

If you could Cosplay as anyone regardless of your skill(s), who would you Cosplay as?
It would definitely Kamen Rider or a Super Sentai hero. Then again, if skill really didn’t matter I would take it to the next level and do a Super Sentai Mecha. Specifically, Engine-Oh G12 from Engine Sentai Go-Onger. Go-Onger was the series that brought me back to Super Sentai and Engine-Oh G12 was such an incredible clusterfuck mecha that the suit actor couldn’t walk in it (but I’d have the skill to fix that problem 😉

What are you looking most forward to this Abunai?
This year I have been working hard on the Theme event and how to improve on it from previous years. We have several daily tasks which can be challenging but hopefully not too hard. You can pick them up at the info desk and solve them in between other events. I hope everyone joins in and enjoys it and end my shameless plug right here.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I just hope everyone will enjoy a very fun filled weekend. I know I will!

Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. Say hello to the incredible Derk, a high-priced member of our Visitor Services Team!

Meet Derk

Name: Derk Age: 25 for 7 years! (32 for the people who are lazy to count)Height: 2.00mBlood type: O positiveAbunai! Position: Visitor Services

Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am Derk, known on the internet and cons to some people as Fhant. I work as a End User Support in Utrecht and live in Den Bosch. I was the game room manager and Steward the last few years but now I am the voice or the visitors [Cue Do You Hear The People Sing From Les Misérables]. I mostly answer your questions, process your suggestions and sometimes when the questions are too hard for me, I send them to other people where they can break their heads over it!

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?
The gratification of the visitors when they have their ticket or their answer that everything will be fine. That I cannot answer your question, does not mean I cannot help.

What’s your favorite Abunai! memory?
Abunai 2008 and 2009. In 2008 (Legendary) I won a VIP ticket and in 2009 I got to be VIP. I even held back a line in the Dealerroom because it wasn’t open yet. My first taste as a Steward for the years to come.

What is your alignment?
True neutral. Like a rogue. Who does it with Charisma checks.

Do you prefer weeb or otaku?
I prefer to call myself Japanophile since it all started with me with Japanese martial arts and weapons.

If you were a magical girl, what style would your outfit be and what would your power be?
Probably a suit with black and blue weaved into it (Because have you ever seen a 2 meter tall magical girl that’s actually a guy?) and my power would be summoning pizza’s. Because who doesn’t love pizza’s?

Playstation, PC, Xbox, or Nintendo?
2, Yes, Used to have 360, just my DS. (But PC Masterrace, come at me.)

If you were to write a self-insert fic, to which anime/manga/game would you transport yourself to? And with which character would you start a relationship?
Azumanga Daioh, Sakaki.

Editor’s foreword:Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. Please meet Peter, one of our newest additions and already indispensable as Concert staff.

Meet Peter

Tell us a bit about yourself!Aside from watching anime I’d like to play games. That kind of game can vary from time to time. At this moment I’m mostly into Final Fantasy XIV. For sports I’m doing Kickboxing. I have a Siberian cat named Kuma and my all time favourite anime is Kanon 2006.

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?I love music related work. At my position I’m always scouting artists who might by a fit for Abunai! So I’m listening a lot of music and watching live performances and I can call it work, which is great! I’m also always trying to make sure the artists and visitors of Abunai! will have a great time.

What’s your favorite Abunai! memory?This would probably be my first time at Abunai! At this time it was my first time joining a whole weekend convention. I can’t forget the moment I arrived and immediately someone ran towards me to compliment my (first) cosplay. The camping at which I did stay was a lot of fun. I met a lot of people there and some of them are still friends after all these years.

What is your alignment?True Neutral. I suppose I’ll just go with the flow and do whatever seems best fit at the moment.

Do you prefer weeb or otaku?Although I’m a member of the anti anti otaku club, I’d still prefer weebs by far!

If you were a magical girl, what style would your outfit be and what would your power be?
I’m really into the timeloop Phenomena, so I guess it would be a power comparable with Homura from Puella Magi Madoka Magica. It could also be Subaru from Re:Zero, but I prefer not dying for it to trigger. Steampunk would be the best fit for this style of outfit.

Playstation, PC, Xbox, or Nintendo?Absolutely PC. Not even feel the urge to explain it any further.

If you were to write a self-insert fic, to which anime/manga/game would you transport yourself to? And with which character would you start a relationship?
Boku no Hero Academia, because that’s my HYPE anime at the moment. As for the relationship material character would be Urararararaka (Uraraka Ochaco).

If you could Cosplay as anyone regardless of your skill(s), who would you Cosplay as?
Archer – Fate/Stay Night

What are you looking most forward to this Abunai?It will be my first time as Staff member. I’m really looking forward to see how things come together on Abunai! Itself after all these months of planning everything and seeing everyone again.

Editor’s foreword:Welcome to ‘Meet The Abunai! Staff’, a column in which you’ll be introduced to our staff members. Staff members, they’re just like people! We’d love for you to get more acquainted with our dear volunteers and to accomplish this, they graciously agreed to be interviewed after I threatened them. First up is the lovely Esther, part of Events and Cosplay.

Meet Esther

Tell us a bit about yourself!
So, uh, I kinda do the CAC and some of the events. This year I might have outdone myself, getting things done such as Budgetstoffen & Sync in one year! Uhm, other than the Abunai! Related stuff; I got a thing for bright colored hair, I got a cat (or princess) named Kikyou. Uhm, I’m quite the creative person when it comes to whelp painting drawing etc. However my sewing skills are…low…However I keep trying though so I guess I am getting better 😊!

What do you like most about (your position at) Abunai?
I get to work with a lot of enthousiastic people, especially the event holders and the people who enter at the competitions! Of course the staff is also epic, with it mostly being like one beehive family~!

What’s your favorite Abunai! memory?
Uhm, my first year, I cosplayed as Kanato Sakamaki (Diabolik Lovers). I was tired and hot due to the weather, so I sat down. Then all the sudden people gathered around me saying I shouldn’t feel down or sad. Funny thing was; It was all the make up, I wasn’t sad just tired haha!

If you were a magical girl, what style would your outfit be and what would your power be?
Omg, I’m so not at home with this…Probably something offensive power like fire though. I wouldn’t wear skirts or anything 😡 more of a pants type~

If you were to write a self-insert fic, to which anime/manga/game would you transport yourself to? And with which character would you start a relationship?
Probably…Oeff…depends? I think Hellsing or Boku No Hero Academia…Probably the last one due to my HYPE HYPE HYPE for that anime! HAH relationship? Whelp considering my age and this anime being …whelp kids…I’d definitely go for Hero Killer Stain <3 or….oh wait that would be a spoiler for the anime watchers! -nervous laugh-

Favorite karaoke song? Please note that you (may) have to sing your answer at the convention 😉
😡 I don’t have favorite songs, just troll songs such as chum bedrum (Weird Russian Singer).

If you could Cosplay as anyone regardless of your skill(s), who would you Cosplay as?
Ouch, uhm I guess I already gave myself a big project with my noob skills, namely All Might, I’ll start that up after Abunai 2017! But other than that…maybe…hmm…Bartelomeo or Eustass Kid from One piece…

What are you looking most forward to this Abunai?
To see all my stress and hard work pay off *laughs* and seeing my friends and fellow staff!! Especially the Haikyuu fans though…and the Boku no Hero Academia Cosplayers…If anyone is cosplaying stain you might have a screaming fangirl :x….I’m also the wackjob that screamed and made a small team of Boku no Hero people stand together at Animecon so I could take a picture…haha! Fun times….~ (though I think I scared some of those cosplayers hahaha, I tend to get super hyper when I see characters I like).

Anything else you’d like to share?
I think a lot of people underestimate the work that lies behind any convention, so I’m kind of happy to have seen this side of the convention as well. Other than that I wish I’d somehow get more cosplay / sewing skills haha!